Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Forgotten Pathways is a solo project, me (Cedric) being its only member. It was founded in 1997, its sole previous release being the „Shrouded In Mystery“ demo tape in 1998. After a long sleep of nearly 20 years, „A Long Way Home“ is the first full-length album and the first of several planned releases. These include previously unreleased stuff composed during some waking times, as well as totally new music.

How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
I call my music „Medieval Ambient“, whereas nowadays it mostly ranks under the term „Dungeon Synth“. There are more or less strong influences of NeoFolk, Neo-Classical and Neo-Romantic music, as well as Black Ambient, Dark Ambient and Ritual. Band influences might be (old) Mortiis, Summoning, Dead Can Dance and Fantasy movie soundtracks, such as „Conan the Barbarian“, also lesser influences of bands like Abigor, Burzum, Emperor etc. (think of typical Black Metal intros and ambient tracks).

Why should a metalhead buy your demos/albums?
Because it's dark, mystical, complex and hypnotic – but not being Metal (even though there are sometimes distorted guitars...). So if you're into Metal, have an interest into the Dark Ages, Folkore, Fantasy and History and need to take a break from growls, screams and blast beats sometimes: search no further!

What have you released so far and how were your releases received by the public/media?
The only release of the past has been the „Shrouded In Mystery“ demo tape in 1997. General attention back then was apparent, though not overwhelming, „Medieval Ambient“ being a niche already those years. Nowadays, „Shrouded In Mystery“ is considered a classic of Dungeon Synth, and even was re-released unofficially as pirated bootleg by some incompetent American guy. There are several unreleased demos that will maybe be released in the future.

Do you play live as well? How's your live activity so far?
Nope, and will probably never happen.

What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?
I don't know if there is something that should be known about me; best thing I can hope for is an open mind, and an interest into dark music that's neither Metal nor Gothic. So far, I'm the kind of guy that does everything himself and enjoys this kind of control; but, who knows what the future might bring? Generally, the music of Forgotten Pathways is crafted with a lot of ambition and attention to details, and I think this will be apparent when listening to the compositions. It's made from heart, and I think I can claim it's unique in its kind.

What plans do you have for the near future as a band?
To release more music, obviously. Next planned release will be a re-release of „Shrouded In Mystery“; this will be both a remaster of the original incl. bonus tracks, as well as additionally a totally re-arranged version. One or more releases of previously recorded stuff will follow, and of course totally new material with new musical and stylistic approaches. These will include more authentic instruments, will cover interesting subjects, and might develop into something unexpected. Working on new material has already begun, so keep your eyes open!

Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
The first place to go is the official website: www.forgottenpathways.de, with lots of info, preview tracks and a shop offering the records and hand-crafted merchandise items. Then, there's the bandcamp page: http://forgottenpathways.bandcamp.com, with full track previews. And you can check youtube for an album preview, and possibly future music videos. Lastly, you can stay in touch at the official facebook page: www.facebook.com/forgottenpathways.